So I finall got around to installing my cb radio. When I hooked it up, it came on fine and I used the PA with the speaker(50W) and it was loud but like an idiot i had the speaker close to the CB and it became very soft to the point u could carely hear it coming through the speaker. So I bought a new (60W) speaker and tried it and same thing.

The possible problems I see are that it says the solid black is the power wire but typically i thought power was the one with the white stripe. Also I had to solder an extending wire so it would be long enough to reach my engine bay. Could there be too many interruptions?

So 1st question? Did I blow the CB since both speakers are very quiet but it is somewhat coming through. Or is it wiring?

2nd question is I bought a magnet mount antenna. I tried even listening to the truckers on the interstate and I could not hear anything on any channel. What channel in FL would i use to hear the truckers.

Any info is really appreciated since I know nothing. Thanks guys!!!

 

channel 19 should be anywhere....What kind of radio is it?

Rocky

 

First things first, the speaker's wattage is how much it can handle. You CB's PA output is probably 12 watts at the most so putting a 50 watt speaker vs 60 watt speaker isn't going to make a bit of difference.

The rest of your problem really doesn't make any sense. You could attach the speaker to the side of the radio, it doesn't matter where you mount it or how far away it is. If the radio power one like it should but the speakers have this problem and you can't receiv anything at all, then it is probably toast. Hooking it up backwards may or may not harm it.

 

I've got a 16 watt PA speaker and it gets LOUD. Got it on ebay for like 5 bucks..

 

you may have shorted the CB out by putting power on the wrong line
channel 19 should have some radio traffic on it

 

Hooking it up backwards will usually either do nothing at all, crowbar the power supply, or just totally fry it. Either of the latter are probably not user servicable.

 

well the CB does have an in-line fuse. Hmm well maybe I might try switching the wires around to the 50W speaker so I can return the 60W...The fuse should prevent it from getting it fried shouldnt it?

Rockysford: Its a Midland..got it used so not sure the model

 

As far as traffic on 19, it is hit and miss. Sometimes people are chattering about nothing at all and other times it is silent. Could always ask for a radio check.